Elizabeth Banks is trading her director’s chair for Ms. Frizzle’s lab coat in a new live-action adaptation of The Magic School Bus. Legendary Pictures has secured the rights to turn the cherished book series into a feature film, with Banks set to embody the unforgettable teacher who turns every lesson into an extraordinary journey.
The yellow school bus, known for transforming into spaceships, submarines, and time machines, will once again carry students through science-filled adventures. Scholastic, the original publisher behind the books, is producing alongside Banks’ Brownstone Productions, Marc Platt Productions, and Legendary. Rob Letterman, who previously directed Legendary’s Detective Pikachu and Scholastic’s 2015 Goosebumps film, will write the treatment and direct.
The Magic School Bus first captivated young readers in 1986 with its blend of curiosity and chaos, created by writer Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen. The animated TV series from the 1990s, voiced by Lily Tomlin, and its 2017 Netflix reboot featuring Kate McKinnon as a younger relative of Ms. Frizzle, cemented its place in pop culture. Now, Banks brings her signature energy to the role, promising the same spirit of messy discovery and wonder.
Banks, currently seen in the Peacock series The Miniature Wife and the SXSW film DreamQuil, is no stranger to roles that blend humor with heart. Her earlier involvement with the project dates back to 2020, when it was in development at Universal. With Letterman’s track record and Scholastic’s deep roots in education, the film aims to spark the same sense of awe that made the books a staple in classrooms.
Frequently asked questions
Who is playing Ms. Frizzle in the new Magic School Bus movie?
Elizabeth Banks will portray Ms. Frizzle in the live-action Magic School Bus movie.
Who is producing the Magic School Bus film?
Legendary Pictures, Scholastic, and Elizabeth Banks’ Brownstone Productions are producing the film.
When was the original Magic School Bus book published?
The original Magic School Bus book series was first published in 1986 by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen.
What other films has Rob Letterman directed?
Rob Letterman previously directed Detective Pikachu (2018) and the 2015 Goosebumps film.
Is the new Magic School Bus movie live-action?
Yes, the new Magic School Bus film is a live-action adaptation, not an animated series.
